RR- Draft 1

Thesis: The Hero Arm is amongst the best bionic prosthetics available to the public, being adeptly functional and affordable.

The webpage "Hero Arm" from Open Bionics (n.d) introduces the Hero Arm prosthetic. The Hero Arm is a bionic forearm prosthetic that emulates the abilities of a regular human arm. Operating using myoelectric control, it is designed to be as intuitive as possible, being indirectly controlled by the user's mind as if it were a natural arm. When muscles contract, they emit a very small myoelectric signal of around xmV (found the text but lost source. find and update.). These signals are picked up using electromyographical (EMG) electrode sensors and transmitted to the Hero Arm's processor. "Muscle contractions of different strengths, as reflected by different amplitudes", can differentiate between the intended actions to be performed, such as "hand closing and opening or elbow flexion and extension" (Sörnmo & Laguna, 2005). Using the amplitude of the signals received, the Hero Arm translates these into coded instructions, which dictate its movement and actions.

In terms of build quality, the Hero Arm's liner is 3D printed using "a soft, flexible elastomer", enabling it to adapt seamlessly to the contours of any users' arms. It also has a fluted design, allowing for easy donning and doffing. Breathable vents are also implemented along the liner, enabling air circulation and helping the user stay cool. The liner is fully detachable from the arm's electronic components, allowing for ease of washing. It also features the BOA™ fit adjustment dial, allowing the user to tighten and loosen the arm to their preferences and comfort (rephrase the "it also"). Most excitingly, the Hero Arm features MagSwap™ Removable Covers, which are magnetic covers that allow users to change the design of their arm in a flash, giving them great customisability and an outlet for self-expression.

About its features and strengths, the Hero Arm is capable of performing a multitude of different grips, allowing its user to perform actions such as eating with utensils, brushing their teeth, and much more. It also features a 180° rotatable wrist for added flexibility. Most importantly, Open Bionics made the code open source, allowing users to customise the controls of the Hero Arm to their liking (dont like the phrasing of this part, need to change). On top of that, the Hero Arm includes a "Freeze Mode", which locks the arm in place and disables muscle control. This allows the user to relax without fear of misinput or accidentally releasing their grip. 

Besides the Hero Arm's ease of use, its main advantages lie in its accessibility and affordability. Consumers can simply visit the Open Bionics website and register to get one, with its dimensions being tailor-made to suit their arm size. As for the Hero Arm's price, while there are no official prices as each custom-made arm will have its own costs, users of a Hero Arm based in the US recalled that it would cost approximately 12000 USD, but may be cheaper in other locations. Considering the prices of other upper limb bionic prostheses range between 15000-20000 USD, the Hero Arm is definitely more affordable while maintaining its functionality and reliability.

- mention affordability

- mention competition, compare to more medically professional models

- compare EMG to better methods

- why is it still good despite its shortcomings

https://openbionics.org/affordableprosthetichands/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/myoelectric-control#:~:text=Myoelectric%20signals%20are%20typically%20measured,the%20process%20producing%20additive%20noise.